“AMBUSH® DIGS”: RECORD SHOPS BRIDGING MUSIC AND CULTURE WITHIN TOKYO
“AMBUSH® DIGS” focuses on Record Shop gems that are found throughout Tokyo.
Bridging the world of music and culture (which are intrinsically linked), these special places fill a specific niche for the avid music fan and casual listener alike.
LOS APSON [KOENJI]
RELATED GENRES: Reggae, Dub, Techno, Avant-Garde, Punk, World Music, Oddities
Los Apson is for the weirdos. Originally in an apartment in Shinjuku in the 90s, to Hatagaya, and finally making Koenji its home in 2015, it’s a paradise for someone looking for something unexpected. Every square inch of the shop is littered with record gems, kitschy toys (some for sale), accessories, t-shirts, zines, and more; it’s sensory overload in the best sense.
Los Apson is mainly known for its extensive Reggae/Dub selection, but you may also find some rarities in Avant-Garde, Punk, Noise, and Techno. A variety of formats for all types of listeners are available as well: CDs, LPs, 7inches, and Cassettes.
One can spend hours in this small but exciting shop, and located in Koenji, you can also shop around some of Tokyo’s most well curated Vintage Clothes and other Record Shops.
UPTOWN RECORDS [KOENJI]
RELATED GENRES: Indie, Punk, Chinese-Bands and Artists, New-Wave, Synthwave
Uptown Records is the premiere when it comes to exciting new artists and bands from all over China. Many up and coming indie acts, hardcore punk, and emo selections make this store a must-go for those who want to know the latest of the latest in the underground music scene. Of course not limited to this, they have an extensive and rare collection of Synthwave, Indie-Pop, and Psych-Rock records from all over the world.
The owners Sacco (from the USA) and Sophia Wang (From Shanghai) are highly knowledgeable in music from any genre and any time period. Their first shop was opened in Shanghai, China with the goal of providing a public space for collectors to meet and to promote independent music.
Uptown Records also includes a bar; you can have a seat at the tables and benches near the records and have a pint or head to the bar counter. Records spread across all bins can also be requested to listen in-store (they will play a record you’re curious about or want to listen to while you dig or relax); which makes this spot a great place to meet new people and listen to new music.
Uptown Records frequently hosts DJ events on the weekends during the night hours, where people from all over come to meet others who share the same music interests and mingle with the Koenji music scene kids.
LOS APSON:
Address: 〒166-0003 Tokyo, Suginami City, Koenjiminami, 4 Chome−3−2 三光ビル 1F
UPTOWN RECORDS:
Address: 〒166-0002 Tokyo, Suginami City, Koenjikita, 3 Chome−33−16 かめやビル ２階
Text: Peter Hajime Mariano
Photos: Peter Hajime Mariano